The Detroit Pistons better be ready to give Jalen Duren a hefty contract if they want to keep him, and Jarrett Allen’s deal with the Cavaliers will play a factor. After four seasons in the NBA, Cleveland gave Allen a five-year $100 million contract (subscription required) under the old CBA. The salary cap has risen significantly since, which likely puts Duren’s ask in the $25 million per year range. He is going to want an increase on what Allen earned for multiple reasons.
After his four years, Allen averaged 10.7 points, 8.3 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.4 blocks in 25.4 minutes per game. He had already made 220 starts and improved every year. He was not yet an All-Star, but his potential and impact were clear.
Duren is averaging 11.5 points, 10.2 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 0.9 blocks through just three years. If he starts 52 games this season, Duren will have more than Allen and better numbers in every category but blocks. Both were drafted at 19 years old, and Duren will want Allen’s contract at the new market rate.
Cavaliers screwed the Pistons in Jalen Duren extension talks
The Pistons have no reason to deny Duren’s request. He continues to improve his game and was just the starting center on a playoff team. The 21-year-old saw his playing time increase in the postseason just like Allen did early in his career.
Detroit has Duren and Jalen Ivey headed toward restricted free agency next summer if they don’t agree on extensions before opening night. The Pistons know every dollar counts in the new apron era, but are currently $77.3 million below the first apron for the 2026-27 season. Tobias Harris is also a free agent. Detroit has decisions to make and will have to pay to keep all three talents.
The Pistons could quickly become an expensive roster with limited flexibility. They are a young team with a talented core right now, but things change fast. Detroit must get Duren to take a discount. Sadly, getting the average annual value below $25 million seems like a pipe dream.
That is starting center money. The Cavaliers helped set the market with Jarrett Allen’s contract, and the price has only gone up over the last four years. Duren became a full-time starter in his second season. The Pistons now have to pay him that value or risk losing him with minimal or no return. Restricted free agency can be tough, but things are different in 2026.
The Cleveland Cavaliers screwed the Detroit Pistons by setting the precedent. Jalen Duren will look to Jarrett Allen’s extension as what he deserves. It is a hefty price to pay, especially for a still-developing big man. The Pistons have no choice. If they don’t do it, some other team will next summer when ten franchises are projected to have cap space. The number will be massive, and Pistons fans have every reason to be mad at the Cavs for starting this fiasco.